Lakes & Peaks of Northern Italy

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Venice

   Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.

   Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

   

   Welcome to Venice!

   Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Venice

   

   First Time in Venice Private Tour

   Discover Venice with this unique walking tour, which unfolds through the elegant Piazza San Marco, surrounded by the governmental buildings of the ancient Republic. You'll see the beautiful Saint Mark church, then stroll through the Castello district including the large campo Santa Maria Formosa. The square of San Giovanni e Paolo will be your next stop. Before reaching Rialto you'll pass by the Marco Polo house. From the top of the famous Rialto bridge you'll encounter all the splendours of the Grand Canal.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Private Gondola Ride

   A gondola ride is the most iconic and romantic way to experience Venice. Glide through enchanting canals, gently rocked by the water. Admire grand palaces, historic bridges, and hidden corners only visible from the water. Let your gondolier take you through breathtaking views and timeless beauty.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Venice

   

   Murano & Burano Private Tour

   This tour has the best experience to learn about the old arts of Venice and the lagoon islands Murano and Burano. It starts with a private water taxi boat ride from Venice directly to the oldest original Murano glass factory, where a master glassblower and his team work daily, following the tradition of centuries ago. From Murano, crossing the lagoon, you'll reach Burano island, famous for its lace work and colorful atmosphere. Walking by picturesque houses, enjoying the typical “bussolai” (famous cookies of the island), feeling like a resident. Last but not least, there is an insightful guided visit to a historical hand-made lace workshop. ​Then, it's back to Venice by private boat taxi for an outstanding view of the lagoon.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Beyond Canals: Discover the Finest Museums

   From ancient artworks to contemporary masterpieces, Venice's museums offer a captivating experience that can keep you engaged for hours. La Biennale, one of the world's oldest and most esteemed art festivals, takes place biennially from May to November. Throughout the year, Venice's museums and galleries are vibrant with cultural experiences. Here are our top recommendations: 1. Peggy Guggenheim Collection, 2. Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), 3. Ca’ Pesaro, 4. Gallerie dell’Accademia, 5. Scuola Grande di San Rocco, 6. François Pinault Collection (Palazzo Grassi and Punta Della Dogana), 7. Palazzo Fortuny, 8. Museo della Fondazione Querini Stampalia, 9. Museo Correr, 10. Venice Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro).

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Cortina d'Ampezzo by Private Transfer / Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo

   

   Based on your preferred departure time, we'll arrange for a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodations in Venice and take you to Piazzale Roma. Our driver will be waiting for you and will take you directly to Cortina d'Ampezzo. The total journey will take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

   One of the best ski resorts in the world, Cortina d' Ampezzo is a picturesque town nestled in the embrace of the Dolomites. Cortina d' Ampezzo may attract skiing and snowboarding lovers during the winter months, but it's also very popular in the summer when weather conditions are ideal for hiking along the area's trails, savoring spectacular views along the way. No matter the season, what draws people to Cortina d' Ampezzo is the great outdoors. Yet, this doesn't mean that an active vacation is the only reason to visit Cortina d' Ampezzo. Home to fascinating local museums, family-run restaurants serving hearty local dishes, and a fair share of shops, Cortina d' Ampezzo appeals to all sorts of travelers.

   Your driver will take you directly to your accommodation upon arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

   Alpine-Style Aperitif

   Spend your first evening in Cortina soaking up the vibrant atmosphere at one of its lively bars, where locals and fellow travelers come together. The pre-dinner aperitif is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a refreshing Spritz, a glass of local wine, or a craft beer. For an elegant setting, head to The Roof or the terrace at Ciasa Lorenzi, while La Suite offers a relaxed ambiance in the heart of the historic center. If you're in the mood for creative cocktails, Faro di Cortina is a must-visit. Many of these spots also serve light, informal dining, but if you’re looking for a full meal, you’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants steps away.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Cortina d'Ampezzo

   

   Castles, Lakes and Rivers in the Dolomites Private E-bike tour

   This scenic E-bike tour from Cortina d’Ampezzo explores the Dolomiti Bike Path and the surrounding landscapes, taking you through forests, rivers, emerald lakes, and historic castle ruins. Along the way, discover the ruins of Castle of Botestagno, enjoy a relaxing stop in the picturesque Pian de Loa, and ride through the enchanting forests and rivers of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Natural Park. The route continues to the crystal-clear Lake Ghedina and a striking heart-shaped artificial lake before returning to Cortina along the bike path.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Sirmione by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sirmione

   

   Say goodbye to the majestic Dolomites and head south toward the sparkling shores of Lake Garda! Today you’ll travel from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Sirmione in comfort with your private transfer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive as you descend from the alpine peaks through charming northern Italian landscapes to the tranquil beauty of Sirmione, renowned for its thermal springs, medieval castle, and lakeside views. Your private driver will pick you up directly from your accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo and take you safely to your accommodations in Sirmione. The journey takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

   What do the Roman poet Catullus, James Joyce, Maria Callas, and several other notable people have in common? They all fell in love with Sirmione, this bijou town of unfathomable charm, built on a peninsula caressed by the waters of Lake Garda. Home to one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, the 14th-century Scaligero Castle, and a historic center that's almost unbearably idyllic with its narrow alleys and quintessentially Italian architecture, Sirmione is the perfect place to stay on Lake Garda if you want to make the most of your vacation on this unique setting but also explore beyond the lake.

   Once you arrive in Sirmione, a driver will leave you in front of your accommodation.

   

   Chill at the Beach

   Who would have thought that a lake has beaches? Turquoise waters surround Sirmione, and at the northern end of the peninsula near the Roman ruins, you will find an angle of paradise at Jamaica Beach. If you want to relax under the sun and take a refreshing dip in the lake, this is the place to go! This is a beautiful and unusual beach with flat slabs of rock extending out into the water where you can enjoy a swim in the shallow waters or rent kayaks from nearby for more active exploration of the peninsula.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Sirmione

   

   Sirmione Peninsula Private Boat Tour

   The best way to take in Sirmione's beauty is from the water surrounding it. Departing from the small harbor in front of Sirmione Castle, this private boat tour will take you around Sirmione's peninsula. You'll admire Maria Callas' former villa, the Aquaria Spa, northern Italy's largest Roman ruins (the Grotte di Catullo), and Sirmione's sulfur springs. Along the way, you'll pass under the Castle's two bridges, and enjoy scenic views of the place from new angles.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 25 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Sirmione

   

   Verona Half Day Private Tour from Sirmione

   Take a day off from the beaches and the Lake to explore the beautiful Verona. This fully private walking tour will give you an in-depth look at Verona as you explore its highlights, including the world-wide famous Arena (where they still hold concerts and representations) and Juliet's house with its famous balcony. Have a chance to make a wish and touch Juliet's statue's breast for good luck and leave a note to someone you love on the house wall. Stroll in this charming medieval city and find out everything you need to know about Romeo and Juliet's story, as well as some of the history of a city that is more than 2000 years old.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 Hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Traveling to Como by Private Transfer / Arrival in Como

   

   Leave the serene beauty of Lake Garda behind and embark on a scenic journey toward the iconic shores of Lake Como! Today you’ll travel from Sirmione to Como in comfort with your private transfer. Sit back and relax as you pass through rolling hills, charming towns, and vineyards before arriving in Como, renowned for its stunning lakeside views, historic center, and sophisticated atmosphere. Your private driver will pick you up directly from your accommodations in Sirmione and take you safely to your accommodations in Como. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

   Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

   The driver will take you to your accommodation by Lake Como.

   

   From the Silk Road to World-Class Design

   The Silk Road and its myth need no introduction, so don't miss the opportunity to visit the territory and enjoy some good shopping! This area offers excellent shops and places to buy unique pieces. Your local Destination Expert will recommend several places to visit, from shopping outlets to local showrooms and museums showcasing silk and wood, which symbolize the wide range of products traditionally produced in the region.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Como

    

    Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

    Exploring Lake Como with a local at the wheel ensures you don't miss any must-see sights. Beginning in Bellagio, the journey unveils treasures like the lakefront Villa d'Este, George Clooney's residence in Laglio, and the ancient port of Brenno, among other stunning spots. Your itinerary allows for a leisurely lunch break at a local gem chosen by your driver. While some enticing side trips may involve water taxis or ferries, their costs are separate from the day trip. Additionally, if you opt to step inside the villas and museums, entrance fees are to be paid on-site.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Como

    

    1-Hour Lake Como Private Boat Tour

    Experience the beauty of Lake Como aboard a private boat on this 1-hour excursion, exploring iconic villas and charming villages along the shore. Visit picturesque spots like Blevio, Torno, and the renowned Villa Balbianello, famous for its appearances in Star Wars and James Bond films. Cruise past historic villas, including George Clooney's Villa Oleandra, and admire the elegant streets and gardens of Bellagio and Tremezzo, concluding with a view of the luxurious Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 1 hour

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Brunate Funicular and Viewpoints

    While Brunate is a separate village and not part of the city of Como, going there by funicular is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The locals describe this hilltop village sitting just above the city of Como as a "balcony in the Alps." At an altitude of around 800m (2624 feet), Brunate offers glorious panoramic views and breathtaking landscapes over Como and the lake.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Sadly your Italian adventure is over and it's time to say arrivederci, for you'll sure be back! We will arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation on Lake Como to Milan's Malpensa airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.